The Coolest and Most Unusual Cruise Ship Bars and Lounges

A cheeky cocktail whilst watching the world pass you by or a well-deserved beer after a long day of excursions are two of the simplest but biggest joys of a cruise holiday. With some of the world’s most stunning and unique bars and lounges located on cruise ships – we thought it was high time to run through our favourite places for a glass of the hard stuff on the seas.

SVEDKA Ice Bar – Norwegian Epic

There is only one place to start when listing the coolest cruise ship bars and that is the SVEDKA Ice Bar aboard the Norwegian Epic. Fur-lined coats and gloves are provided to offer the full, authentic below-freezing experience. A selection of ice cold cocktails and mixed drinks are available – with many of the signature drinks featuring SVEDKA, the Swedish vodka.

The bar is certainly the place to cool down after a day sunbathing and exploring.

Selected Cruise Deal:  Western Mediterranean from Barcelona

The World Class Bar – Celebrity Eclipse

Despite a slightly pompous name – the World Class Bar is a truly enjoyable venue for a unique and unusual drink. The premise of the bar is a relatively simple one – get the best mixologists and ingredients from around the world to create stunning cocktails which pique all the senses. Like a Heston Blumenthal taster menu – many of the drinks will billow smoke and present a treat for the eyes and eyes as well as the tongue.

The World Class Bar has proved to be such a success aboard the Celebrity Eclipse that the line is planning on rolling out the concepts to other members of the fleet.

Selected Cruise Deal:  Exotic South Caribbean

Bionic Bar – Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas

If you love gadgets and fruity cocktails – the Bionic Bar aboard the Quantum Class ships from Royal Caribbean might just be your dream bar. A whole menu of delicious cocktails are mixed and served by two robotic arms – using a wide array of ingredients and ultimate precision in free-pouring. The technological fun does not stop there with the Bionic Bar – all your drink orders can be placed via an iPad, so you won’t have to shout your orders over the music and other guests.

Selected Cruise Deal: Bermuda & Boston

Tobacco Road – Norwegian Escape

Miami’s oldest and arguably most famous bar, Tobacco Road, closed at the end of last year. Fortunately for dedicated and loyal fans of the old drinking establishment – Norwegian Cruise Line are bringing it back to life aboard the Norwegian Escape when she launches at the end of 2015. The new version of Tobacco Road will include many of the features and design elements of the original bar including memorabilia, photographs and even the original neon sign.

Selected Cruise Deal: Maiden Voyage

Rising Tide – Oasis of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas

Part lift between decks and part watering hole – the Rising Tide Bar aboard the Oasis Class of ships from Royal Caribbean earned the very specific title of ‘world’s first moving bar at sea’. With seating for more than 30 guests at a time, the Rising Tide Bar is certainly an experience – even if you only have time to sink a short drink in between decks.

Selected Cruise Deal: Western Caribbean

EA Sports Bar – Carnival Cruise Line

Give sports fans the chance to stay up-to-date with their favourite teams’ fortunes whilst they holiday on the seas – the EA Sports Bars found on many of the Carnival Cruise Line ship is where you’re likely to find your partner after they sneak off with little explanation mid-cruise. The bars show all the biggest sporting events, serving ice cold beer and bar snacks.

However, with many of Carnival Cruise Line’s ships homeporting in the USA – you might have to wrestle the remote control off our American cousins if the football clashes with their football.

Selected Cruise Deal: Eastern Caribbean

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar – Queen Mary 2

If you are looking for something a little bit more refined and sophisticated, Cunard are always on hand to satisfy. The Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar offers seven different Veuve Clicquot champagnes, served by the bottle or the glass in elegant surroundings – the perfect place to share a conversation with old friends or new.

Selected Cruise Deal: Southampton to New York

If these have whetted your appetite for a (responsible) booze cruise, the Cruise1st homepage includes a huge selection of offers aboard the world’s most stunning cruise ships. Visit our homepage, here, or call us now on 0808 2746 777 for a full selection of deals.

Images sourced via Norwegian Cruise Line Media Centre, Royal Caribbean Press Center and Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Prayitno, Phillip Pessar, stereotyp-0815